Introduction

As of the time of this review, there're 2 native macro lenses in the Micro-Thirds-Thirds system. A while ago, the Panasonic / Leica DG Macro-Elamrit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH OIS delivered very impressive results in our review here in the zone. However, since late 2012 it faces competition from the Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 ED macro. Obviously Olympus preferred to make this one a little longer in order to allow a bigger working distance - a key aspect for those photographers interested in critters. That said the front lens-to-object distance is still just 8ish cm (vs 6ish cm for the Leica) at max. magnification (1:1). The price to be paid for the longer focal length is a 50% longer physical length albeit Olympus managed to keep the weight a little lower. Typical for Olympus lenses it has also no image stabilizer but then it's then also cheaper than the Leica (of course).

The build quality of the M.Zuiko is very high thanks to high quality, matte plastics based on a metal mount. Some may be surprised by the extremely low weight thus the lack of (subjective) "substance". Interestingly it has even a weather sealing which is certainly an argument for outdoor lovers. It is a joy to use the smoothly operating & broad rubberized focus ring. The physical length remains constant regardless of the focus setting (=internal focus system). A focus limiter allows to configure the covered focus range in 3 steps (0.19-0.4m, 0.19m-infinity or 0.4m-infinity). The focus distance as well as the current magnification are also displayed on the lens. Unfortunately Olympus decided to make the lens hood an optional accessory which isn't unprecedented but disappointing nonetheless.

The M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 use Olympus' new MSC AF focusing system. Unlike some other members of the species, the AF works both fast and silently. Manual focusing is "by-wire" rather than mechanically linked which may or may not be an annoyance for some.